The permit is obtained by the employer, not the employee
This is the most common misunderstanding. A foreigner can't get a work permit in Ukraine on their own. The application is filed by the company or sole proprietor hiring them, with the regional employment centre. The permit is tied to a specific employer and position.
So if a foreigner changes jobs, the new employer obtains a new permit. And if a foreign founder wants to be director of their own company, the permit is obtained by that very company.
What's included
- Checking the employer against the requirements.
- The document package for the employment centre.
- A draft employment contract with the foreigner.
- Filing and following the review.
- Processing the temporary residence permit after the work permit.
The chain from work permit to residence permit
| Step | Who does it |
|---|---|
| Work permit | The employer files with the employment centre |
| Employment contract | The employer and the foreigner |
| D visa, if needed | The foreigner, at the consulate |
| Temporary residence permit | The foreigner files with the migration service |
A foreign founder as director
This is the most common scenario among my clients. The foreigner registers an LLC, the company obtains a permit to employ them as director, and on that basis they get a residence permit. That's what we did for the client from Peru.
How it works
Your part: the company's and the employee's details. The rest of the arrows are mine.
Law of Ukraine “On Employment of the Population” (Articles 42–42-1, permits to employ foreigners); Law of Ukraine “On the Legal Status of Foreigners and Stateless Persons”.
Frequently asked questions about work permits
How much does a work permit cost?
From €150 for my work. The permit fee is separate; its amount depends on the permit's term.
Can a sole proprietor hire a foreigner?
Yes, a sole proprietor can also employ a foreigner.
Does a foreigner with a permanent permit need a work permit?
No, with a permanent permit you can work without one.
What happens if someone works without a permit?
A fine for the employer and a risk of removal for the foreigner.
The client wanted to move to Ukraine and work legally. We went the whole way: tax number, LLC registration, work permit, visa, residence permit. The permit was obtained.
How a client from Peru got a residence permit →After the work permit, we process the temporary residence permit. If there's no company yet, see business for foreigners.